The Chinese Mind

The Chinese: understanding a people and their culture through keywords and language.

The Chinese Mind pinpoints areas of China's traditional values and behaviors that play a significant role in the business and social relationships of the Chinese. It also identifies key areas of Chinese culture that have changed as a result of the adoption of a market-based economy and other elements of Western civilization. It includes discussion topics and questions, along with an extensive selection of Chinese "code words" that explain the essence and role of critical elements of the traditional culture that have survived into modern times. Covering everything from the importance of Confucius, the great Chinese philosopher, to the influence of foreign fast food and video games, this book provides a wide-ranging glimpse into the seemingly opaque Chinese mind.

The Chinese Mind is an excellent overview of Chinese tradition, history, and culture that is perfect for the classroom, tourists or outsiders living or doing business in China. Some of the vital concepts explored here include:

Yin and Yang , the search for balance in all things

Mianji , the importance of face

Hong , looking at things holistically

De , the power of virtue

Guo cui , the national essence of the Chinese

Zhong fu , the pursuit of insight

Bi , unity the Chinese way